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Career Details :: Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Description
Drive tractor-trailer truck to transport products, livestock, or materials to specified destinations.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Drives tractor-trailer combination, applying knowledge of commercial driving regulations, to transport and deliver products, livestock, or materials, usually over long distance.
- Maneuvers truck into loading or unloading position, following signals from loading crew as needed.
- Inventories and inspects goods to be moved.
- Wraps goods using pads, packing paper, and containers and secures load to trailer wall using straps.
- Reads bill of lading to determine assignment.
- Inspects truck before and after trips and submits report indicating truck condition.
- Drives truck to weigh station before and after loading, and along route to document weight and conform to state regulations.
- Maintains driver log according to ICC regulations.
- Fastens chain or binders to secure load on trailer during transit.
- Gives directions to helper in packing and moving goods to trailer.
- Works as member of two-person team driving tractor with sleeper bunk behind cab.
- Services truck with oil, fuel, and radiator fluid to maintain tractor-trailer.
- Loads or unloads, or assists in loading and unloading truck.
- Obtains customer's signature or collects payment for services.
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Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles or Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Material
- Documenting/Recording Information
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Degree of Automation
- Responsible for Others' Health & Safety
- Provide a Service to Others
- Frustrating Circumstances
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.